¡Uruguay, te queremos!

We’re back in the USA after almost five (very busy!) weeks in Uruguay. We’re sad to have left Uruguay but content to be in the place of God’s current appointment for us. (Of course, I'm always sad to leave when it’s Uruguay.) Added to the usual emotions was the fact that my Dad had just been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. He insisted that we leave, as planned. Thankfully, he is doing much better and is at home now.

We arrived “home” to a very cold house and soon discovered that the furnace was out of commission. Upper 40s and low 50s (with low 30s at night) feel extra cold when you’ve just come from 70s, 80s, and 90s! Thankfully, the furnace required only a simple fix. And the weather has been in the upper 60s for the past few days, making the furnace nonessential.

Elizabeth and I spent a profitable couple of hours outside yesterday, restoring the weed patches flower beds in the front yard. Spring is almost here. The yellow crocuses are now in bloom, and the daffodils are just starting to show. Beautiful!

By God’s grace, our days in Uruguay were profitable. You can read our “official” Winter 2010 Ministry Report on our ministry blog.

Highlights of the trip for me included (in random order):

• Hearing John Mark preach over thirty times – in Spanish!
• Experiencing a warm and enthusiastic reception from our future co-workers in Uruguay.
• Fellowshipping with believers from all over the country at the Family Camp.
• Meeting some of the Bible Institute students we’ll be ministering to and with.
• Spending time with family – in Pando, at camp, and at the “ranch” in Totoral del Sauce.
• Ministering at Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha in Pando
• Celebrating Lucía’s birthday – twice!
• Enjoying some of our favorite Uruguayan specialties – ravioles, chivitos, sandwiches olímpicos, tarta de jamón y queso, asado, pan de galleta, biscochos, dulce de leche, masitas, etc.!
• Watching Elizabeth’s growing enthusiasm about speaking castellano – and she’s still eager to continue doing so! (Praise the Lord!)
• Traveling to three churches in the interior, including one area I had never visited before.
• Seeing God at work, advancing His kingdom in the hearts of those He is saving from sin!

We are now excited about the next steps in our journey toward full-time ministry in Uruguay. In early May, we expect to leave our current jobs and begin full-time travel. (I must honestly admit some nervous anticipation along with the excitement as we leave the “predictability” of our jobs.) We know that the Lord is faithful! Already we have seen the Lord graciously provide a (much more reliable) vehicle, a 1999 Toyota Camry, to make extended trips possible.

This spring we have meetings scheduled in North Carolina, Iowa, and Colorado. We then plan to continue through Idaho and Alberta and on to Alaska. Our goals are to introduce ourselves and the work in Uruguay, to request prayer, and to serve among the Lord’s people as He gives opportunity. We trust that this will result in our soon return to Uruguay – in early 2011 if the Lord should so allow. Please pray with us to that end!

[Pictures pending…]